S&W Counties Under-18 Championship

BERKS & BUCKS 6 DORSET 2

DORSET gave a below-par performance in their opening match of the season, conceding five second-half goals despite enjoying their fair share of possession.

The visitors started the brighter at Abingdon Town FC, with captain Aaron Scott having a shot deflected wide in the first minute.

On the half hour, Berks and Bucks saw a free-kick deflect off the top of the crossbar, however, the hosts took the lead three minutes later when a long-range shot from Harry Pearce caught Nathan Ball off his line and dipped underneath the bar.

Dorset fought hard to get back on level terms, Landon Arthur having their best effort when placing his header narrowly wide.

But three minutes after the interval, the hosts increased their lead with Bradley Shaw scoring from the spot.

However, the away side responded well and immediately reduced the deficit with Billy Arnett finding the net from an acute angle.

Dorset came close to equalising on 63 minutes when another Arthur header cleared the bar following a free-kick from Weymouth’s Matt Harvey.

Dorset then conceded four goals in 20 minutes through Calvin Morgan twice, Michael Miller and a second from Shaw.

Pat Barnes then completed the scoring for Dorset on 90 minutes.

After the match, Scott and Harvey received their county caps.